A shared vocabulary regarding what matters in schools

The National List of Educational Benefits was built from thousands of voices—parents, students, and community members responding to three simple but powerful questions:

• What do you expect from a school in exchange for your trust?

• What are your hopes and dreams for your child’s education?

• What benefits should schools be responsible for providing?

These responses didn’t come from inside the system—and that was intentional. By listening to those who experience education from the outside, we’ve created a shared vocabulary that helps bridge the gap between schools and the communities they serve.

This list helps educators and non-educators alike recognize when they’re talking about the same core ideas—even if they’re using different words.

A Living, Evolving Resource

The list isn’t fixed. It grows as the world changes—and as more schools and communities engage with Benefits-Based Accountability. Every voice that joins the conversation makes the list more relevant, more inclusive, and more powerful.

Schools, districts, and researchers are welcome to use the list freely—no permission needed—as long as any insights or adaptations are shared back with bravEd. That way, we all benefit from the learning.

Have your own local list of benefits?
We’d love to see it. Every local version helps refine the national conversation.

⚠️ A Note on Commercial Use

Use of the list for commercial purposes requires written permission from bravEd. Permission will only be granted for uses that align with the principles of Benefits-Based Accountability.